If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

The main issues are the lack of a training facility and changing room space for a women's team at the SCG. There are already difficulties for the men with the SCG not being available until the cricket season is completed. The two links below provide relevant info.

I'd also love to see a Sydney women's team. I'd second that the infrastructure would have to be an issue at the SCG. You wouldn't think wages would be a factor at the moment as current women's players are playing for peanuts.

Why does it have to be in the Eastern Suburbs.
What about North SYDNEY Oval . They have to find a way, the women are so keen , they would play anywhere .

I agree, North Sydney oval is probably the ideal venue. Another good one to consider is Drummoyne, although seating capacity might be an issue.

My thought was that there must be a big financial input in starting a Women's team and that we want to see how the competition plays out for a few years before making a bid. Although the first year was a success it will be interesting to see how well it builds over the next 5 or so years.

Just out and very relevant to this topic. And you must watch the video in the article - it's a delight!

"“While our football club hasn’t been in a position to apply for an AFLW licence to-date, mostly due to challenges with our facilities, we have always said we are committed to broadening female participation at all levels of our game and creating opportunities for women in football. We see the Youth Girls Academy as an important first step towards establishing a Sydney Swans AFLW team."

I like the idea of an academy launching prior to us having a AFLW team. By the time we're in the league we could have mostly local players which would be great. Still It's not a good look being one of the last to join the comp

Just out and very relevant to this topic. And you must watch the video in the article - it's a delight!

"“While our football club hasn’t been in a position to apply for an AFLW licence to-date, mostly due to challenges with our facilities, we have always said we are committed to broadening female participation at all levels of our game and creating opportunities for women in football. We see the Youth Girls Academy as an important first step towards establishing a Sydney Swans AFLW team."

Well, Meg, you were absolutely right about the video: classic feelgood. And watching the way the girls move and respond to questions it looks as if we'll have some talent on our hands. The Bloodsline seems to be running true.

He reminds him of the guys, close-set, slow, and never rattled, who were play-makers on the team. (John Updike, seeing Josh Kennedy in a crystal ball)

Well, Meg, you were absolutely right about the video: classic feelgood. And watching the way the girls move and respond to questions it looks as if we'll have some talent on our hands. The Bloodsline seems to be running true.

Why does it have to be in the Eastern Suburbs.
What about North SYDNEY Oval . They have to find a way, the women are so keen , they would play anywhere .

The issue is not a venue to play at - it is training facilities. They want to co-locate the women with the men so they can all be integrated as part of the one club and currently there is no space. Here are some excerpts from the statement:

The Sydney Swans are at maximum utilisation of their facility at the SCG and there is no capacity or space for an additional team to be housed at the Club’s headquarters.
Planning is underway for a new training and administration facility in the Moore Park Precinct, which will include provisions for both a Female Academy and a future NWL team, as well as the existing QBE Sydney Swans Academy and Indigenous Academy. However, the new facility is still some years away.
Swans Chief Executive and Managing Director Andrew Ireland said the advent of a National Women’s League is terrific for football, and the Swans are committed to participating in the league, but will defer their application for a licence until the Club is in a position to deliver a program to an elite [email protected]

What's great is that the development of the Girls Academy shows how committed the club are to having a team in the future. Taya O'Loughlin looks a good prospect!